Controversies surrounding language education have come to the forefront recently, highlighted by debates about the relevance of Sanskrit and the status of Urdu within India's educational framework. A recent Reddit post questioning the need for Sanskrit as part of school curricula has instigated heated discussions, drawing varied responses from the public and educators alike.
Frustration boiled over when one Reddit user titled their post, "Why in the world is Sanskrit still being taught in schools?" They argued passionately, stating, "No one speaks Sanskrit any more. It’s basically an extinct language at this point." While they acknowledged the language's historical and cultural significance, they questioned why it remains mandatory when schools dedicate hours to it. "Hours and hours are wasted on Sanskrit when the teachers themselves can't speak it fluently. Even if they could, what of it? What purpose does it serve?" they continued, pointing out how ineffective the memorization methods used by educators often are. The user lamented, "I learned Sanskrit for five years, but I can't recall a single Sanskrit word." Within this personal experience, they suggest many students similarly fail to retain what they learn after exams.
The Reddit user’s post received mixed feedback. Supporters of the argument echoed sentiments about the language being outdated and unnecessary, voicing their disbelief at its continued mandatory status. One commenter noted the policy may largely reflect trends particularly seen in North India, where resources have been funneled toward ensuring consistently available and cheaper Sanskrit teachers compared to other languages like French or Spanish. Meanwhile, others defended Sanskrit's curriculum, citing benefits like academic advantages. "Students choose it because they can score 100/100. People will choose to study toaster for higher aggregate," acknowledged another user, showcasing the strategic approach some students take with their course selections.
Urdu also found itself embroiled in controversy through the statements of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. During the 67th Foundation Day of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) on March 1, 2025, Hyderabad MP Mr. Aasuddin Owaisi criticized the Chief Minister over remarks he made, which Owaisi termed those as needing reevaluation. "The Chief Minister said studying Urdu makes one a maulana like kathmullahs. They don’t become scientists," he exclaimed, underlining Adityanath's apparent misunderstanding of both the language and its speakers.
For Owaisi, Urdu carries constitutional protections and significant historical weight. He emphasized, "People from RSS and BJP do not know Urdu has the protection of the Constitution. It is protected like other languages." The MP invoked famed Hindu poets and freedom fighters whose works were penned in Urdu, reshaping the narrative of the language as inseparable from the fabric of India's independence struggle. He even mentioned celebrated Urdu writers from Gorakhpur, comparing their literary contributions to its contemporary visage.
With strong sentiments around both languages, the discussions reflect broader societal attitudes about multilingualism and cultural preservation. While some voice concerns over the practicality of school language policies, invoking complaints of rote teaching, others advocate fiercely for both Sanskrit and Urdu. Highlighting the importance of language as not only academic but also cultural treasures, discussions have illuminated the nuances of India's linguistic diversity and challenges within its educational institutions.
Within this climate, public commentary and online discourse have attempted to dissect what function, if any, languages such as Sanskrit and Urdu serve to the modern student. The response has been characterized by varying degrees of contentiousness, with social media users calling for collaboration and debate on issue framing rather than lashing out at differing perspectives. One aggrieved Redditor noted, "You all are coming at me like a pack of rabid dogs," highlighting the intensity of the reactions their post achieved.
With the contentious views surrounding these languages, it is clear discussions like those instigated by the Reddit post and Owaisi's comments are more than mere opinions; they represent broader conflicts related to educational policy, cultural identity, and political discourse, making it imperative for those involved to engage thoughtfully to agree on the future of language education. The outcomes could potentially reshape how future generations relate to their linguistic heritage and educational pathways.